🔗 Share this article

Our planet is under strain, but there is hope. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to encourage individuals to make a difference.

The medal will be given in memory of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate those who advocate for the natural world.

Award Details

The first recipients will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the close bond she had with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes carried out to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice said, “Frankly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Certain policies globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this significantly hampers collective action.”

“To be honest, the situation appears very good which means we need to commence thinking again, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, it was noted it was an opportune moment to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform how we regard the other animals with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue currently was highlighted of false information. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate when politics is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that the medal can motivate positive change. “It’s about inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to work in that direction, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at working the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work toward success.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared optimism that “given direction and once enabled, humanity can be diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the initiatives of a foundation that, among its other activities, assists young people get involved locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”